Joe Mazzulla Defends Rookie Hugo Gonzalez After Report on Language Struggles
The Boston Celtics have made a conscious effort to get younger this season, especially in the backcourt. With veteran guard Jrue Holiday departing over the summer, every guard on the Celtics’ roster is now under the age of 32 — with Derrick White being the oldest at exactly that mark.
One of the most intriguing new faces is Hugo Gonzalez, a 20-year-old rookie from Spain who joined Boston after a strong stint with Real Madrid. While he’s still finding his footing in the NBA, a recent report claiming Gonzalez was struggling with the English language drew a fiery response from head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Joe Mazzulla Fires Back at Report on Gonzalez’s English Skills
Joe Mazzulla didn’t hold back when addressing the report, making it clear he found the claim both inaccurate and disrespectful.
“Who reported that he was struggling with the language barrier? He’s not,” Mazzulla said firmly. “He speaks multiple languages. I didn’t like that heading because he doesn’t have an issue understanding anything. I was pretty pissed about that.”
The Celtics coach even encouraged members of the organization who speak Spanish to communicate with Gonzalez in his native tongue, emphasizing inclusivity and support for his young player.
Mazzulla’s fervent defense exemplifies the trust and accountability culture he has cultivated in Boston’s locker room. The coach has repeatedly stated that he will not tolerate false information to continue, particularly when it comes to his players.
Despite the hype in the media, the Celtics have a subtle optimism about Gonzalez’s potential. The rookie has impressed throughout the preseason by displaying his defensive awareness and versatility. As the season goes on, Boston hopes he can establish himself as a reliable wing defender and a budding shooter.
Gonzalez shot 44.4% from the field and averaged 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during his time with Real Madrid last season. Although his 27.1% three-point percentage leaves room for improvement, the Celtics believe his work ethic and maturity will accelerate his adjustment to the NBA game.
With players like Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Gonzalez all expected to see developmental minutes, this year could serve as a bridge season for Boston’s next generation of role players.
If Gonzalez continues to progress and Mazzulla’s belief in him holds true, the Celtics may have quietly found another long-term contributor for their championship-caliber roster.
